Dear, Dark Dapple of Plush • Rufous Legged Owl

(Strix rufipes)

Dear, dark dapple of plush.

Dark and shadowed eyes, shining pools of night into which you get lost. How far inside you she sees, into you, through you, to the very physics of being that intertwines us all together and apart. A heart shaped reminder we are inextricably entangled.

The eyes of this dear creature captured my heart as I was researching my next piece. All dark and broody, her stripes and partially shadowed face. And I saw what seemed to be a heart on a feather of her lower belly, perhaps slightly exaggerated here, to show she captured mine.

The name of this piece was inspired by the poetry of Mary Oliver, who wrote many words about owls, their at once mysterious and wholly grounded nature, and connection to all facets of the web of life.

Artwork comes shipped flat with a protective acid free mat frame and backing, ready for you to take to a professional framer and have beautifully matted and framed to match your heart and home.

Reference by Ben Williams via Wildlife Reference Photos

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Natalie Eslick is an Australian artist and creative guide deeply inspired by the natural world. Natalie worked in academic (human rights) and health fields for many years before returning to art, which is her passion and now full time career. Her work forges intimate connection with our non-human kin and the landscapes into which we are rooted. A moment of breath and stillness, layer upon layer of detail entrances the viewer, reflecting the process of open wonder and intentional honouring that is the artist's beautifully meditative, quiet, and slow process. Inspiring compassion and kindness, Natalie's work is an act of curiosity and wonder, underpinned by respect, reverence for and reciprocity to the intricate web of the natural world we are a part of.